Gents:
Recently acquired this unusual, German Imperial proofed muzzlecover (currently in transit from Poland). I have asked around, but nobody knows anything more. It appears to me as something likely made between the time of the Gew88 cover and that for the Gew98. Looks like there was a rectangular metal yoke (covered in concretions) not unlike that seen on a traditional mouse trap. This would have been (possibly under tension) lifted up & forward as the cover slid onto the barrel, then released to engage the back side of the front sight base, thus securing it to the rifle. When it arrives I will see if it will fit the Gew98. If so, this might have been something cobbled up for the very first Gew98s at one of the German state arsenals, prior to introduction of the "classic" pattern. The cover could also have been made for any one of a number of foreign rifles captured and reissued during WW1 by Germany as well. Thoughts...?
Recently acquired this unusual, German Imperial proofed muzzlecover (currently in transit from Poland). I have asked around, but nobody knows anything more. It appears to me as something likely made between the time of the Gew88 cover and that for the Gew98. Looks like there was a rectangular metal yoke (covered in concretions) not unlike that seen on a traditional mouse trap. This would have been (possibly under tension) lifted up & forward as the cover slid onto the barrel, then released to engage the back side of the front sight base, thus securing it to the rifle. When it arrives I will see if it will fit the Gew98. If so, this might have been something cobbled up for the very first Gew98s at one of the German state arsenals, prior to introduction of the "classic" pattern. The cover could also have been made for any one of a number of foreign rifles captured and reissued during WW1 by Germany as well. Thoughts...?